
Introducing Barerra: 60’s-inspired rock made in the 2020’s
Will Thorpe breaks down how alt-rock 4-piece Barerra has found their perfect niche.
Aficionados of classic rock and ‘60s fashion culture are likely well aware that on Instagram and TikTok exists a vibrant community of like-minded people. They listen extensively to the the Beatles, the Stones, Cream, the Mamas & the Papas and Led Zeppelin, whilst dressing like the rockstars, groupies, band associates and fans of this bygone era.
The fashion and music of the ‘60s were diverse, with sub-genres of fashion including psychedelic, mods and rockers corresponding with particular bands or rock subcultures. The overarching goal of those who participate in this ‘60s-obsessed community, however, is authenticity. This means wearing outfits that aren’t merely inauthentic re-interpretations of ‘60s fashion trends as promoted by the fashion industry. Instead, you will find a community of people showing off self-made outfits constructed of thrifted finds that may well go back to the decade itself, or faithful recreations of ‘60s fashion styles made by fellow enthusiasts.
One of these fashion and music enthusiasts is Issy Allen, who boasts 160k followers on Instagram. From her poster-covered room she flaunts an impressive range of outfits that correspond with the youth culture of this era, as well as subsequent rock fashion from the ‘70s through to the ‘90s.
Not only has she amassed a following based on the existence of a large number of youth with an affinity for the culturally transformative fashion of the ‘60s, for she also fronts an alternative rock band based in Guildford, UK – Barerra. The band formed in early 2020 and has four members; singer Issy Allen, guitarist Thomas Aves, bassist James Edmunds and drummer Thomas Plateau.
Released in June of 2020, their debut single ‘Can’t Help’ has a soft sound, with gentle drumming and a similarly fitting bass line, as well as acoustic guitar and a wistful electric guitar solo buffered by similarly wistful vocals and lyrics (“I can’t help you anymore”, “Who cares if we’re dead? I am still living to you”).
‘Can’t Help’ was subsequently re-recorded and featured on their debut album, Abnormal Beginnings, released in December the same year. It starts with a thumping rocker called ‘False Sincerity’, featuring an aggressive repeated guitar lick. ‘All Behind’ is the next track, again with a more wistful sound, like that also heard in the fourth track, ‘The Last Night of Our Lives’. ‘Tell Me I’m Wrong’, the fifth track, returns to a more aggressive sound, with frustrated lyrics that are sung more forcefully as the chorus approaches. The album is strong all around, generally soft and at times melancholy, though this is broken on occasion.
Their second album, Broken Spectrum, was followed by their third single, released in October 2022. The influence of ‘60s rock on ‘Peach Trees’ is obvious. The track is infused with loud, searing, highly-distorted electric guitar and the lyrics are yelled. Without fault, ‘Peach Trees’ is a pulsating rock-and-roll single that proudly exhibits its roots in the music of bands that reigned when the Beatles dominated the charts.
‘Secretly Plays’ was Barerra’s next single, released in February this year. Another strong record, it is slightly more relaxed than ‘Peach Trees’, with a gentle guitar lick surrounded by heavier instrumentation and lyrics that instill a sense of comfort – “take a minute, darling, take it as it comes”.
The band’s latest record is the single ‘I’m Not Your Girl’, released in March. Its aggressive guitar and vocal style are reminiscent of ‘Peach Trees’, and are complemented by a thumping drumbeat and a funky keyboard part. Though not yet having a music video at the time of writing, ‘I’m Not Your Girl’ is available now for streaming on Spotify.
Despite its clear roots in the music of the ‘60s, Barerra has a sound unique to itself. It also has a niche to which its music may appeal, demonstrated by the fashion and music community on Instagram and Tiktok. Anyone with a soft spot for ‘60s rock should give them a go!